Spotlight on the Community

Spotlight on the Community with Melanie White

Where are you from?
I am from New York

What type of business do you own?
I own an accessories line (MELANIE MARiE) and I co-own a boutique (Greek & Life Boutique in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

What's the name of your company?
I started MELANIE MARiE in 2009.

Why did you start your own business?
I started my own company because I knew I had a lot of ideas and I knew I had what it took to do it on my own. I did not see the point in working for someone else making them rich and wasting my talent. I wanted to be successful doing my own thing

Can you describe your life as a business owner?
My life as a business owner is VERY busy. A lot of people say they want to work for themselves because it is probably so easy but it takes a lot of discipline. I am always coming up with new designs trying to stay on top of the fashion waves. I am always looking for new connections or any way to get my line out there more. I get new orders all the time, some off my site but mostly custom ones. I love making the pieces and seeing my customers happy when they wear them.

What type of products do you sale?
MELANIE MARiE is an accessory line that is full of necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and body chains.

Are any of your products handmade?
Yes, most of my products are. Some I need to get manufactured because they involve welding metals.

Since you are a business owner whose business thrives off of the community, do you have community awareness? (participation in trunk shows, expo, blogger events, etc.)
I definitely have community awareness. Just last night at my boutique we held a trunk show event featuring local designers and of course MELANIE MARiE. I do go to a few blogger events in my city. (Dated back two weeks ago, at the time of the initial interview)

                                                                                  Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from things I love and what I see everyday. I can be walking and see a pretty flower with nice colors and I may want to do something with that color. Who would you like to see your pieces on? - I would LOVE to see my pieces on Beyonce! That would be awesome.
Do you have a target audience?
No target audience. I have pieces for everyone so my clients are all different.

What is your Style Mantra?
Style Mantra- you can never be overdressed! I love being jazzy so that would be it


  Do you have a website?
website: www.melaniemarie.com

How can people keep in touch with you?
People can:
Email me at Melanie@MelanieMarie.com
Tweet me @MelRWhite
Instagram @MelRWhite.
I am very accessible.....lol